The Hon. Ramanathan Archchuna

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, by the grace of my deities and ancestors, I am able to address Parliament again today. I stand with every person who has lost loved ones, land and homes, now living without hope. I extend my respects to all who love me.

¶ 02 Recently, Rs. 360 million was sent to the Northern Province. The government acts without understanding equity versus equality—deeply concerning. Those with knee-deep water get Rs. 25,000; those affected get Rs. 25,000; those who lost homes entirely get Rs. 25,000; and NPPSG workers get Rs. 25,000. The rains subsided on the 30th of last month; only on the 2nd of this month was a camp set up. I do not wish to dwell on this; there are many before me to speak. Some will not understand even if told plainly. In Kilinochchi, some went, got beaten and ran; I will say no more.

¶ 03 I thank the war heroes who saved me. Today I say the same here as before: you often say “soldiers”; I always say “war heroes.” I was saved from the flood by a person named Alwis who grabbed me by the neck. My car was swept away; later it was found lodged in a field. On the 27th, the war heroes saved me. I am not here to lie. Those who came called me “sir” and rescued me. If someone has died for this land, I will bow at their feet.

¶ 04 Go to Madivela and see how many cabs you have parked, yet you seek to buy new ones. It is shameful. Come to Parliament simply.

¶ 05 I fell into the flood on the night of the 27th. A Navy truck had also fallen. My vehicle struck it. Then someone pulled me by the neck into a Navy boat that was in the truck. When water surged and it was about to overturn, a recovery vehicle came and hooked it; I was completely submerged, clinging to the rope with one hand. A Navy lad was swept by the current and somehow clung to a tree and survived; otherwise he would not be found today. If not for that boy, many of your “plans” to downsize the forces would have cost more lives. Those lads even gave me a life jacket. He said his name should be Alwis—he was afraid to give it publicly. His body is to be retrieved today. Six to eight soldiers have died. Even the Deputy Minister here has no life jacket. Another truck that came looking for me overturned; thirty soldiers had no life jackets. While you wear coats and watches, look at your attire; be ashamed. You said you would travel by bus; I came today by PickMe. My vehicle too was damaged. I do not need your cab; you use it—or give me the Rs. 2.25 million and I will distribute Rs. 1 million each to families who lost homes. But I will not give a letter trusting you; give it to those who worked for 14117—

¶ 06 [Expunged on the order of the Chair.]

¶ 07 So, please give me that money; I will distribute in sums of a million to those who lost homes. You give Rs. 25,000 to those who lost houses—be ashamed. You scold the Opposition and then the Government—shameful.